Mike Bibby is Calling All Sneakerheads to the NCAA Final Four

Basketball legend Mike Bibby is hosting sneaker events in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mike Bibby is taking his Jordan Brand sneaker collection on the road. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout his college and professional basketball career, Mike Bibby was a problem on the court. The only thing more prolific than his offensive repertoire was his never-ending supply of player-exclusive sneakers. Consider it a perk of being the only member of the first Jordan Brand class of rookies in the NBA.

This weekend, fans will be treated to a special event at the Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona. Bibby is bringing his legendary sneaker collection to Gila River Resorts & Casinos for a rare pop-up event. The festivities will be free and open to the public April 5-8.

Bibby will host events throughout the weekend, including meet-and-greets, watch parties, an NBA Jam tournament, and a Q&A about his massive shoe collection as one of the original Jordan ambassadors and his experience winning the NCAA Championship with the University of Arizona.

As part of the exciting announcement, FanNation Kicks spoke with Bibby about his sneaker deal with Jordan Brand, teammates' sneakers, and the hoop shoes he would wear in a Space Jam game to save the planet. 

What inspired the sneaker pop-up event?

"We want to give these new guys what they want to see as far as getting my game shoes out there. Let them see some of my favorite shoes. A lot of people haven't seen my PEs (player-exclusives) in person. It's a lot different when you see them in person compared to pictures. I'll bring a few there, and with a lot of people at the Final Four, we want people to walk through and come see it."

How does it feel to be remembered as an all-time sneaker legend?

"It feels good. Especially coming as a guy who did not have a lot of sneakers growing up. I got blessed with my sneaker deal because I was the first guy to start and finish my career with Jordan Brand. It's just good to be in that part of the best shoe ever made by the best player to ever play the game."

What do you think about the direction of Jordan Brand?

"I love it. I think they have three of the top superstars in the league with Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Doncic. All three of those guys will probably be Hall of Famers, so it's good to grab those guys early."

Which current NBA player has the best signature sneaker?

"I like Jayson Tatum's - I love the Jordan Tatum 2. I'm waiting for my first pair to come in and I'm going to try to play in them. They look more natural to me as far as a shoe I would put on and go play in."

So, you almost signed with PUMA, but their gear was off-putting. How did you end up with Jordan Brand?

"The PUMA shoes were so plain, and the clothes that came with it was like soccer gear. I called my agent and said, 'I can't wear this.' Then, out of nowhere, he was like, 'Would you wear Jordans?' I said, 'Hell yeah, I'll wear Jordans!'."

That's a pretty good agent.

"Yeah, it was David Falk. He was Michael Jordan's agent, so it was kind of easy for him to do."

Of all your teammates, could anyone ever rival your sneaker rotation?

"Not that I know of, no. There was not anybody collecting like I was. I would order a lot of shoes and just put them away."

If you had to play in a Space Jam game to save Earth, which specific pair of sneakers are you wearing?

"It would probably my 17 Lows. My all-black Air Jordan 17 Lows because I had my best games and best times of my career in those. I think that would bring more of the animal out in me if I wore those."

Off the court, what is in your rotation right now?

"I wear black a lot. My main thing is that they're all black. I love the 'Cap & Gown' Air Jordan 11s, the 'Black Cat' Air Jordan 4s, the 'Black Cat' Air Jordan 3s, and the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Lows. I wear a lot of black shoes and it stays cleaner a lot easier and for a lot longer.

Further Reading: Why Reebok should sign Angel Reese to a signature sneaker deal.